Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV)
18 Now the birth of the Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 24:23-28 (MSG)
23-25 “If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, ‘Here’s the Messiah!’ or points, ‘There he is!’ don’t fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I’ve given you fair warning.
26-28 “So if they say, ‘Run to the country and see him arrive!’ or, ‘Quick, get downtown, see him come!’ don’t give them the time of day. The Arrival of the Son of Man isn’t something you go to see. He comes like swift lightning to you! Whenever you see crowds gathering, think of carrion vultures circling, moving in, hovering over a rotting carcass. You can be quite sure that it’s not the living Son of Man pulling in those crowds.

What kind of child is this? One who is foretold and upon His shoulders great expectations are placed – He will save people from their sins. He will save people.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone were saved? Wouldn’t it be great if we could cobble together a god that could do what Christ can? Unfortunately, it’s written that not everyone will be saved. It’s pretty clear. There will be lots and lots of fake Messiahs and lying preachers out there. There are already – and many of us have created our own.

Yeah, it’s Christmas and I probably shouldn’t be going down the brimstone path. Yet, we’re celebrating the birth of the Christ, our Savior, our only chance to get it right. Without this chance, we don’t stand a chance.

Luke 2:14 (MSG)
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

Peace on earth through the Prince of Peace. Please Him first. Find the Peace.

Then be the peace.